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Miami FC Looks to Keep Rolling against Edmonton

September 9, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Miami FC News Release


MIAMI, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2016) - The Miami FC takes its unblemished Fall Season away record to Canada this Sunday for a clash with FC Edmonton.

The Orange and Blue is coming off of a massive 3-0 victory over Puerto Rico FC.

The scoring kicked off in the 15th minute after Jonny Steele netted his second goal of the season. Jonathan Borrajo sent in a perfect cross that Steele crushed off the volley into the back of the net.

The Miami FC would dominate the rest of the first half, heading into the locker room with the lead.

Dario Cvitanich opened the second half with his sixth goal of the season. Rhett Bernstein ventured forward from his center back position to deliver a perfect lead pass to a streaking Cvitanich. Cvitanich collected the ball, dribbled around the keeper and finished the chance.

Poku closed out the night with his fifth goal of 2016. Michael Lahoud found himself in the box surrounded by defenders. The veteran sensed Poku to his right and delivered a precise pass to his on-rushing teammate. Poku collected the pass and beat the keeper near post to secure the Miami FC's 3-0 win.

The First is Always Special:

The Miami FC and FC Edmonton have faced off once this season, it would become a historic night for the Orange and Blue.

The Spring Season had not gone according to plan by the time the Miami FC hosted Edmonton on May 28. The Miami FC had yet to win a match and FC Edmonton was battling for the Spring Season title.

The match would be a defensive struggle through out, as neither side would allow the other to create any real scoring chances, but a moment of brilliance would change that.

In the 67th minute, Cvitanich played an inch-perfect pass across the pitch to Ariel Martinez. Martinez would gather the ball with two defenders ready to shut him down. Martinez then flicked the ball forward, leaving both defenders frozen. The Cuban national then unleashed a thunderous shot with his left foot at the top of the box, burring the ball in the back of the net.

This wonder goal would be enough to deliver the franchise it's first-ever victory. The moment not only marked a historic landmark for the club but sparked a complete turnaround on the field.

The Miami FC has played 13 matches since the win, losing only three times and currently sits in the top five of the Fall Season Standings.

Like Night and Day:

The Miami FC has been a revelation in the Fall Season after struggling in the Spring Season.

The improvements can be seen in every facet of the game as the Orange and Blue now find themselves in the running for the Fall Season championship.

During the Spring Season, the club ranked near the bottom of the league in goals scored and allowed, leading to a 1-4-5 record.

Now in the Fall Season, the Miami FC boasts a top-ranked offense and defense. Through 11 matches, the Orange and Blue has scored a blistering 19 goals, tied for second in the Fall Season. The club has backed up its newfound goal scoring prowess with a stout defense. The Miami FC has allowed 12 goals in the fall, which is also tied for the second-best mark in the NASL.

The Miami FC is the only club in the league to rank in the top three for both goals scored and allowed this far.

Sitting in fifth place with two games in hand on the majority of the top five, the Miami FC is poised for a strong run to close out the Fall Season and secure a spot in the playoffs.

Players to Watch:

Captain, Jonathan Borrajo has been fantastic for the Miami FC during its Fall Season resurgence.

The right back has been solid on defense but also fantastic when pushing forward. He came into the fall with just one assist and has since collected four, making him one of the top assist-men in the NASL.

Borrajo has created 14 scoring chances and sent in 54 crosses this season. He has completed 602 passes at a 77% clip in 2016. On defense, Borrajo has made 50 clearances, 40 interceptions and has won 90 duels.

Jonny Steele has been one of the NASL's best passers this season and nothing has changed since he joined the Miami FC.

Steele has been a key to the Orange and Blue's offensive resurgence this season with his passing and shooting. He has been in the top three in chances created and total passes, with 31 and 1021, respectively.

Steele has also become a threat as a goal scorer. He has scored two goals this season on 14 shots, including last week's Play of the Week nominee against Puerto Rico FC.

Watch:

- ESPN 3 webstream.

- GolTV (delayed)

Follow:

- Live Play-By-Play on Twitter at @TheMiamiFC

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North American Soccer League Stories from September 9, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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